Korean Media: Saudi Arabia and UAE Also Launch Airstrikes on Iran… Could It Escalate into a "Middle East War"

¬ Repeated retaliatory attacks since February's outbreak of war; if conflict resumes, sectarian war may erupt… The U.S. considers renaming the operation against Iran from "Epic Fury" to "Sledgehammer Operation"

Middle Eastern nations that have endured indiscriminate missile and drone attacks from Iran since last February are showing signs of taking military action against Iran, stating “we can no longer tolerate this.” With peace talks with the United States breaking down, the risk of renewed warfare has sparked concerns that the conflict between Gulf monarchies and Iran could escalate into a sectarian (Sunni-Shia) and regional war.

According to a Reuters report dated 12th local time, multiple sources revealed that Saudi Arabia, the dominant Sunni power in the Middle East, secretly conducted several airstrikes on Iranian territory last month—marking the first time Saudi Arabia is reported to have directly targeted the land of its primary regional rival, Iran.

Western and Iranian officials stated that the Saudi Air Force launched retaliatory airstrikes on targets inside Iran at the end of March. Although specific strike locations remain unconfirmed, the operation clearly demonstrated Saudi Arabia’s intent to retaliate.

The Wall Street Journal reported that the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which has suffered over 2,800 missile and drone attacks from Iran, carried out an airstrike on oil refineries on Lavan Island along Iran’s southern coast just before a temporary ceasefire on the 8th of last month. Iran publicly acknowledged the attack and responded with retaliatory strikes against the UAE. The UAE broadcast live footage of skyscrapers catching fire after being hit by indiscriminate Iranian air raids, causing widespread disruption across aviation, transportation, tourism, and real estate sectors. The incident damaged the UAE’s reputation as a financial and commercial hub and a tourist center in the Middle East. Consequently, the UAE officially labeled Iran a “rogue state” attempting to undermine its economic and social model, and began formal punitive measures.

Kuwait also uncovered an infiltration unit linked to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). On the 12th, Kuwait’s Ministry of Interior and Ministry of Defense disclosed: “Four individuals apprehended on the 1st of this month after crossing the border confessed they were affiliated with the IRGC. Kuwaiti forces engaged them in combat, resulting in one soldier injured, while two members of the infiltration group managed to escape.”

They were accused of infiltrating Bubayan Island in northern Kuwait near the borders of Iraq and Iran, aiming to sabotage U.S. military facilities. Iran previously attacked the island, reportedly housing American satellite equipment and ammunition. On the same day, Bahrain authorities announced prison sentences for more than 20 people suspected of being recruited by Iran’s Revolutionary Guard and engaged in espionage activities, including three receiving life imprisonment.

In the meantime, NBC News reported that the United States is considering changing the operational code name for a potential resumption of war—from the original “Epic Fury” to “Sledgehammer Operation,” symbolizing a massive hammer. In June last year, when U.S. forces conducted their first direct aerial strike on Iranian soil, they used the codename “Midnight Hammer.” U.S. officials said this new operation might involve greater troop deployments and assets compared to “Epic Fury.”

American intelligence assessments indicate that Iran’s military has recently regained full access to most of its missile bases, launch sites, and underground military installations. Of the 33 missile bases surrounding the Strait of Hormuz, 30 have returned to normal operations, and nationwide missile facility usability has exceeded 90%. Launcher and missile stockpile levels have also recovered to over 70% of pre-war capacity.

Source: Chosun Ilbo

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